If there is one thing we’ve seen over the past month or so after the earthquakes in Nepal in April and May is there is an overall concerted effort to help women who are expecting babies during the aftermath of the natural disaster.

In 2013, Nepal had a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 109 per 100,000 live births. That is far too many for a country its size, even though the numbers have dropped significantly since 1990 when the MMR was 790 per 100,000 live births according to the World Health Organization. Nepal has accomplished a fantastic feat to save many more of its mothers since 1990, to be sure. Helping expectant mothers (especially those who live in remote, mountainous, rural areas) after an earthquake is an entirely different scenario. Infrastructure has been weakened. Health workers have lost their lives. Hospitals and health posts have been completely destroyed. How, then, do midwives, doctors, and other health workers continue their work to assist mothers who are pregnant and ready to deliver?

Our partner, Jhpiego, is sharing their stories about how they are working with the Nepalese government, locals and midwives to save women’s lives.

Follow Jhpiego at www.jhpiego.org for more on their response to the Nepal Earthquake, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter!